Please do NOT forward information via WhatsApp or Facebook etc which could cause a panic or be factually incorrect. Please refer to the four sources of information. If you have concerns or are not sure, please speak to a leader at the academy.

Above all else, keep the lines of communication open. Talk to leaders if you are worried or have any questions.

1. Information about the virus

The following symptoms may develop in the 14 days after exposure to someone who has COVID-19
infection – it mainly affects the elderly and those with asthma or similar conditions, but rarely children
so far:
 cough
 difficulty in breathing
 fever

2. How COVID-19 is spread

There are 2 routes by which people could become infected:
 coughing or sneezing close towards someone
 possibly by touching a surface or object that has been contaminated
There is currently no good evidence that people who do not have symptoms are infectious to others.

3. Preventing spread of infection

There are general principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of viruses, including:

 washing your hands often - with soap and water, or use alcohol sanitiser if handwashing facilities are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport and if you touch your face

 covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin

 children or adults who feel unwell should stay at home and should not attend work or anyeducation or childcare setting

 if you are worried about your symptoms or those of a child or colleague, please call NHS 111. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment

To help our children and build on work already done by teachers over the last week, we have the recommended lessons plans from the government, plus additional ideas including an adapted version of the “Baby Shark” song to remind children on how to be healthy!

You will also see posters around the school reminding everyone about being healthy and good hygiene.

Some of the videos we will be using in school to teach children about about hygiene are below.

Face masks for the general public, children, or staff are not recommended to protect from infection, as there is no evidence of benefit from their use outside healthcare environments. Washing hands DOES make a difference!

KS1: Horrid Hands and Super Sneezes

KS2: Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Hygiene

4. What to do if children become unwell and believe they have been exposed to COVID-19

Call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency (if they are seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk), and if appropriate, explain which country they have returned from in the last 14 days. You can do this on their behalf if this is easier. The guidance states to isolate them as soon as possible.

If your child shows symptoms, we will need to isolate them until you arrive – please be prompt as they will need their parent/carer. We will take as much care as we can of them, as well as protecting the other children.

If your child is feeling ill showing the symptom, do NOT send them to school.

We will liaise with Public Health England if the situation changes and follow advice.

5. What to do if a case of COVID-19 is confirmed at our academy

We will work with the local Public Health England Health Protection Team to discuss the case, identify people who have been in contact with them and advise on any actions or precautions that should be taken.
An assessment will be undertaken by the Health Protection Team with academy leaders. Once advice is received, we will make the decision that we feel is best for all the children.
There is further information on the government website if you want to know more.

Let’s keep calm for our children and each other, keep referring to verified facts and talk to each other if we are unsure.